DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Takayasu Arteritis (Pulseless Disease)
A rare large vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its major branches, causing vessel wall inflammation, stenosis, occlusion, and aneurysm formation. Primarily affects young women of Asian descent. Called 'pulseless disease' because pulses may be absent. One of the most common vasculitides in Asia.
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Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Physical examination (pulse deficit)
- 2Blood pressure measurement (both arms)
- 3ESR and CRP
- 4Angiography (CT, MR, conventional)
- 5CT angiography
- 6MR angiography
- 7PET scan (inflammation)
- 8Doppler ultrasound
- 9Aortic biopsy (rarely)
Prognosis
Variable. 5-year survival over 90% with modern treatment. Relapses common (60%). Vascular complications significant. Hypertension management crucial. Pregnancy high-risk. Lifelong monitoring required. Mortality mainly from complications. Quality of life improved with aggressive therapy.
Prevention
- No known prevention
- Early diagnosis
- Adequate immunosuppression
- Blood pressure control
- Smoking cessation
- Regular vascular monitoring
- Prompt treatment of complications
Research Status
Corticosteroids first-line. Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) for maintenance. Tocilizumab and rituximab increasingly used. Vascular interventions (angioplasty, stenting, bypass) for stenosis. Early diagnosis crucial. Lifelong management required. Relapses common.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/takayasus-arteritis
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.